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broken

Pronunciation: [/ˈbɹoʊ.kɪn/]

Word

broken: meanings and example sentences

Learn how to use broken in a sentence: 9 audio examples across 3 meanings.

Context: “physical objects”

(adjective) when something is damaged or not whole. Like a toy that is in two pieces instead of one.

Example

The vase fell off the table and broke into many broken pieces.

Example

The cup is not broken; it is still whole and in one piece.

Example

Is the mirror broken or is it still okay?

Context: “objects”

(verb) when something is damaged or not working as it should. Like when a toy stops working and needs to be fixed.

Example

I accidentally broke the lamp when I dropped it.

Example

The clock is not broken; it is ticking and working fine.

Example

Did you break your pencil or is it still sharp?

Context: “emotions”

(adjective) when a person feels sad, upset, or hurt. Like when someone is crying because they are feeling broken inside.

Example

After the loss, she felt broken but found comfort in the support of her friends.

Example

He is not broken; he is smiling and seems happy.

Example

Do you ever feel broken inside, like when something makes you very sad?

How to pronounce broken

Pronunciation: [/ˈbɹoʊ.kɪn/]

Listen and repeat as many times as you need.

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